Allen County has a lot of exciting capital projects in the works.
As you travel downtown, you've seen the new Allen County administration building being constructed at the corner of Main and North. Allen County Commissioners told us during their annual State of the County speech that construction is about 75% completed. Exterior work will be finished when the weather improves, and interior work is moving forward quickly. The $17 million building is expected to open in September or October 2026 and will house many of the county offices. Commissioners said that will leave the courthouse open, and the next phase of construction will be the renovation of the 145 year old building so it can house all the county's courts. Also, the Child Support Enforcement Agency will be moving into the first three floors of Cook Tower from its present location in the City Loan building at Market and Elizabeth. The bid process is underway for the $3.5 million Cook Tower renovations and construction should begin later this year. Regarding Memorial Hall, commissioners told us that there are still no firm plans for the building's future, but a number of prospective owners have toured the facility.
Also at Monday's meeting, Brian Dykstra, the new CEO of the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, was inducted into the Lima Rotary Club. Please make him welcome!
